This route will take visitors around the foot of Mt. Hiuchi where the Tashiro marsh and the forest zone repeat, and to other scenic spots of Fukushima Oze, including Sanjo Falls, Ozegahara Marsh, and Lake Ozenuma. You can stay overnight at either the Onsen hot spring area or the Miharashi area. The following day, visitors will pass Lake Ozenuma and return to Miike by bus from Numayama-toge Pass.
From Miike to Usagi-tashiro junction
Passing through the deer fence from the Miike parking lot, the route goes counterclockwise around the north side of Mt. Hiuchi, repeating between the forest zone and the large and small Tashiro marshes for some time. Although there are some hilly terrains, there are many gentle wooden paths, and the varying scenery of the Urahiuchi-bashi suspension bridge and small streams will give visitors a taste of trekking.
Sanjo Falls
At the Usagi-tashiro junction, visitors can choose a route that goes around Sanjo Falls or a detour route with little difference in elevation. Sanjo Falls is the route to go if you have enough energy in your legs. The 100-meter-high waterfall flows directly from Ozegahara Marsh to Tadami River.
From Onsengoya lodge to Toden-bunki junctionAs you pass the Hiuchiura-rindo Trail and reach the onsen hot spring area, the view suddenly opens up. This is the long-awaited Ozegahara Marsh (Aka-tashiro and Shimo-tashiro). The area is a treasure trove with insects and other small creatures. Dragonflies and butterflies can be spotted close to the wooden path.
Miharashi Area
Located at the foot of Mt. Hiuchi, the Miharashi area, meaning "view", overlooks the immense Ozegahara Marsh. This is one of the largest lodging areas in Oze, consisting of six mountain lodges and one tent site. The area is blessed with a water source, and in addition to water refill places, bathing is available at each hut.
A day at Ozegahara Marsh in the summerThe weather in Oze is relatively stable from the end of the rainy season until after the Obon festival in mid-August. When staying the night, enjoy the scenery and the fresh air that can only be experienced here, with the sunsets, starry skies, and morning mists.
From Shirasuna-toge Pass to NumajiriHead to Lake Ozenuma the following day. Walk through the forest zone in the valley along the Numajiri River. Pass through the serene Shirasuna Marsh, and arrive at the lakeside of Ozenuma.
Numajiri Rest House
There is a rest house and toilets at Numajiri, located northwest of Lake Ozenuma (closed in 2020 due to COVID-19).
From Lake Ozenuma to Oe Marsh to Numayama-toge Pass
The course draws to an end as visitors reach the lakeside of Ozenuma. You will be reluctant to leave the beautiful lakeside and marshes as you make your way home.
For more information about this area, please refer to "Course Around Lake Ozenuma".
The distance is long.
The distance is long, as is the case with Oze in general. The lack of elevation change may make it seem easy to shorten the standard course time. But once it rains, the wooden path becomes slippery and requires careful footwork, resulting in significant time loss. Be careful of the bus schedule at Numayama-toge Pass, especially on the way back on the second day.
Be careful in the summer.
The Urahiuchi-rindo Trail has some spectacular views, but the only problem is that there are no water refill places until the Onsen hot spring area. Especially in recent years, the summer in Oze has been very hot and the risk of heat stroke has increased. Be sure to bring enough water.
